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BASKETBALLghana.com’s editor Patrick Akoto explores the contributions of persons in the development of the game in Ghana over the years and believe Mathias Ocloo stands tall among his peers.

Many have contributed in diverse ways to develop basketball in Ghana but one personality whose role is highly regarded as unrivalled is veteran Mathias Ocloo.

The hugely respected veteran has been involved in the upbringing of basketball talents for more than two decades.

Almost all the current coaches, referees and players in the West African country have at some point gone through the hands of Mr. Ocloo.

His humility, understanding of the game, affability, great character and desire to see the game progress are some of the traits that has endured him to the basketball fraternity.

He has committed his life to being a guardian of the game, the advancement of proper coaching education and development of basketball across borders contributing significantly to the growth of the game.

Throughout his career, Ocloo has made tremendous contribution to the development and expansion of basketball in Ghana.

He was one of the few faces who embraced wholeheartedly the idea of developing and promoting the game when an Accra-based event management organization, Rite Multimedia, came into the picture six-years ago.

His contribution and wise counsel has gone a long way to ensure the smooth agenda of making basketball the number two preferred sport for the youth in Ghana.

Today competitions like the Sprite Ball Championship. Milo Junior Ball, Community Dunks and UPAC Games have come to stay and gained inches in the Ghanaian press.

It’s been a humbling experience, privilege and honour working with him side by side over the past few years.

It’s been a tremendous opportunity and wonderfully rewarding to help guide the training and development of many talented players and coaches, to see them improve and progress to International level.

It’s on this self-belief that I think it’s long overdue for Mr. Ocloo to be awarded with a life-time achievement and honour.

His dedication to supporting the sport of basketball which is very close to his heart is unbelievable and I genuinely think he deserves to be recognized by the main actors of the game presently.

The St Mary’s basketball trainer has played a critical role in identifying and nurturing junior basketball talent in Ghana by teaching the young players the mental, physical and technical skills and coaches the expertise needed to perform at the elite level.

Since his appointment as the Technical Director of Rite Multimedia, he has provided leadership, advice and expertise in ensuring the various competition run as smooth as anything.

He is highly regarded not only within the basketball fraternity but also in the broader coaching community for his experienced and knowledge, exceptional teaching skills, coaching expertise and willingness to enhance opportunities for learning and growth in the broader sporting development.

It’s on this amazing track record that I sincerely believe the CYO coach deserves more than an award and hopefully not in the too-distant future.